Engagement sessions are one of my FAVORITE things to do! It is actually the most important part of your wedding photography experience because it's a chance for you to see what it feels like to be in front of the camera and practice being the center of attention! It also allows us to get to know one another AND for you both to get familiar with the way that I work! These means you will be comfortable and confident on your wedding day resulting in tons of beautiful and genuine photos!

I don't like to use the word "pose" as I want your images to be uniquely YOU. But part of my job is to make you look amazing in a natural way! So I will teach you some great starting off positions that you can then move and "be" together while I capture the love!

Here are some tips in preparing!

1. CLEAN YOUR RING: I will be photographing your gorgeous diamond! is means that this would be a perfect opportunity to have your ring cleaned so that it’s clear of dirt and build up that may be visible through a macro lens!

2. HAIR & MAKEUP: Splurge a little! If you were considering getting your hair and makeup done, this is the perfect opportunity to treat yourself! You will cherish these images forever and so investing in professional hair and makeup can be an extra fun way to celebrate the occasion and allow you to be extra confident during your shoot! It could also be a good time to try a dry run with your wedding hair and make up vendors! Tip: If you’re worried about looking tired or just want a little something special for your portraits, getting false lashes make the most impact in portraits!

4. HAVE A PREVIEW PARTY WITH YOUR FIANCE: Most guys do not spend time pouring over Pinterest engagement photos, so this is new territory! Engage them ahead of time so they know what to expect and what you're excited about! Take ten minutes and sit down together to scroll through 2-3 of your favorite engagement sessions on my blog or favorite Pinterest boards.

5. TAKE A DEEP BREATH! : You’re going to be amazing! The BEST couples are the ones who have never modeled professionally before! The couples that are usually most nervous are the couples who totally rock their session! So be encouraged!

OUTFIT INSPIRATION: I recommend a maximum of 2 outfits for your engagement session to ensure that we have plenty of time to capture both looks before sunset! When you change for your engagement session I will photograph your ring while we wait!

COLORS: Neutrals such as blush, tans, link pinks, faint blues and teals, creams, grays and whites will always result in more of a light and airy look to your images. These colors photograph softer and more romantically! - If you’re really looking for a soft, feminine look, I recommend a flowing, maxi-length dress or skirt! The movement of this type of fabric photographs beautifully! The goal is to COORDINATE instead of MATCHING! Avoiding both of you wearing WHITE as a top. This won’t allow for any contrast in your images.

Textures, layers and jewelry- all play well on came.

GUYS: Avoid patterns that are smaller than a dime! These small patterns can create strange visual effects in a digital camera. Close-toed shoes photograph well and we recommend avoiding graphic tees and tennis shoes!

GALS: Wear something that flatters the parts of you that you love the most and also allows you to be extremely confident! If you are uncomfortable when you look in the mirror, then that probably isn’t the best outfit choice for you. I want you to be so confident in your outfit because you will love your portraits so much more if you’re not worrying about how your clothes fit!